How does Cystic Fibrosis occur?

Cystic fibrosis occurs when certain cells in the lungs, called epithelial cells, create more mucus than they should. A normal lung has only a small amount of mucus, which is necessary for breathing and protecting the windpipe.

Someone with cystic fibrosis has too much mucus. This can make it very hard to breathe.

A large amount of mucus in the lungs makes for a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Too much bacteria leads to infections.

The lungs are not the only area with too much mucus. The digestive system is also impaired. In a normal digestive system, mucus covers the inside of the organs to help move the food along.

The pancreas produces digestive enzymes that help break down the food you eat. Without these enzymes, food cannot be broken down, and your body does not receive any nutrients.

In someone with cystic fibrosis, there is too much mucus lining the digestive organs. This blocks the enzymes from reaching the food, so the food is not digested.

Is there a cure?

There is no cure for cystic fibrosis. However, there are medicines and therapies that can help someone with cystic fibrosis. To help a kid with cystic fibrosis absorb nutrients and grow properly, doctors can prescribe tablets that contain the enzymes that are normally produced by the pancreas.

Finally, many kids with cystic fibrosis take vitamins daily instead of relying on their body to absorb the vitamins from food.